VICTORY

Last night the rain felt like it was beating me, as my body squirmed & mind became a theater for short dreams. Each time my eyes shot open and closed a different a new story would begin. What I do remember, is feeling like I was in the middle of a 40day and 40night experience. The rain had taken on a spiritual power. I am not sure if I was afraid, curious or able to understand what I was feeling throughout the stormy night. Lightning shot through my studio living room, and gave light to all of the designs crowding my space. The gown on the mannequin... the canvas all over the walls. The power punch of the thunder, hinted at the restlessness of struggle and tussle. For the following hours my mind dreamed of getting up and creating yet my body was caught in the fight. My mind was on Victory, on building an arc, on blocking the blows... yet my body was unsure of how to react. In my studio I've been working on this painting, "Still in the Fight". And while as children of God, we are already victorious, we sometimes overlook the fact, that to claim the victory... we still have to get in the ring, we still have to fight the fight, bear the storms and have vision through it's clouds.

Be Encouraged.

Love,

Serena &

PassionArt Designs

Youth Inspired :)

Today, I wore a high waist striped skirt, topped with a cream crop shirt silk screened with a big pink bow. This outfit hit the runway less than a month ago during one of our student produced fashion shows. The designer?... a bright and aspiring "Art of Fashion" student who happens to be only 14 years of age. This past show was Danaya's second runway appearance. After debuting her, "Take a Bow" Collection in April at the Spring show, she left the audience, fellow youth, and the staff at the Village of Arts and Humanities, practically begging to see more. Miss Danaya Jenkins, who spent the first few months of the workshop, quietly sitting in the back, has since made her voice loud and clear through her fashion designs.

This morning, as I left my apartment, adorned in Danaya's pieces, I felt an extra pep in my step, and it didn't go unnoticed. The compliments poured in, and I radiated with pride. The crowning moment of the day came when I entered into a classroom of teenage girls for my afternoon workshop at West Philadelphia High. And while, my colorful hair is normally the opening topic of discussion.... not today. Today, all the chatter was about the crop top with the bow.... "did you make it" they asked, and "could you make me one?". The most flattering comment of the day was when one young lady asked if I could simply take it off and give it to her, lol. It was a priceless moment to be able to share with them that a young lady their age and with their potential had made my entire outfit. Youth inspiring youth..... one of the best things as teachers we can help to facilitate.

Thank You Miss Jenkins, for being so amazing.

Serena
Owner of PassionArt Designs

Still I Stand

Fine Art Meets Fashion: The Best of Both Worlds

The interchanging relationship between fashion and art encourages the best in both. From the vibrant, bold graffiti colors of subways and dilapidated walls of the urban neighborhoods across the world, to the many works of Basquiat, Kahlo, Warhol and Picasso (just to name a few)--interpretation of life causes us all to take a different view.

How we dress is much bigger and more multifaceted than just a means to cover the beauty of our nakedness. It is a direct expression of us, who we are. It tells our story-- a story that is ever changing with some, or articulating the same steady and familiar lines in others.

PassionArt is the exquisite child of commonsense, a reflection of how beautiful the natural order of life can be. This is a plug; call it shameful if you must. But I ask you to look around the site, observe the paintings that reflect from the lenses of this 80's baby’s view of the world. Follow the creative flow that cascades across butter soft handbags and clutches, stitched with her perspectives’ needle. The apparel that spins from the thread of this definitive artist allows the wearer to be a conversation, to be a unique attachment to a story-- vibrant, bold and forever living....

The joy of being a fashionista is not just about the clothes: it is about the association to something not just fly, but bigger than oneself. It’s the opportunity to attach yourself to quality and a reputation of beauty. The reputation is growing, but until PassionArt’s paintings sit in halls across galleries around the world; or the clothes and accessories become staples on the front pages of magazines, we have the chance to be the first to rock what very few have...YET/////// -illadelladie

I met Installation

This year I met the art of installation. It was definitely an adrenaline rush as I was able to physically meet the demands of the piece. Now that I have an idea of what is possible - it's time to make a trip to home depot, my wardrobe of art supplies has gained a new collection.

TOP20 Make Room for the Runway. 2.27.10

TOP20 is my model & design squad. A crazy hot group of young adults that have strong interest in fashion design, visual arts and modeling. Working on their 3RD self produced and promoted fashion show, they are growing and are stronger then ever! TOP20, I love you all.

These images are from recent photo shoots with a TOP2O Models.... and they are wearing no other than PASSIONART! Photos by photographer El Sawyer...

Serious Inquiries for MODELS... should contact me.

My work on view @ Daffy's

During the month of February you can see a sample of my paintings displayed in the Daffy's window on 17th Street between Chestnut & Walnut. Represented are paintings from the Camo Collection, the Grow Collection as well as the newest of the group - Teddy Bear Shrine. Check out the photos, or even better - drive by, stroll by or bike by and see in person. Thanks for the continued support. Be Blessed.